Go back to Las Vegas’s roots on legendary Fremont Street, now a pedestrian-only area with free nightly shows and special events.
Situated in the heart of the city, Fremont Street is a five-block pedestrianized zone where vintage Vegas meets modern technology. Set against some of Sin City’s classic neon signs, you’ll find live bands, roaming street performers and a captivating light show.
Fremont Street has played an important role in the history of Las Vegas. The Northern Club, at 15 E. Fremont St, was the first casino to obtain a Nevada gaming licence in 1931. As the first street in the city to be paved, Fremont was a beacon for visitors in the 1950s, with famous casinos like the Eldorado Club, the Golden Nugget and the Pioneer Club all opening here. Fremont Street has also had its fair share of Hollywood film credits, providing the backdrop for Elvis’ 1964 classic Viva Las Vegas and the 1971 Bond film Diamonds are Forever.
Today, the area is best known for the six-minute Viva Vision light show held every night, which is timed perfectly to music and draws tourists by the hundreds. Displayed overhead on a 27-metre tall steel canopy that is over 500 metres long, the light show uses state-of-the-art LED technology and more than 12.5 million light bulbs. Pumped up by 550,000 watts of surround sound, the evening laser and lights shows are themed to fit with the calendar, although some regular shows are scheduled, such as the ever-popular “Lucky Vegas”, which pays tribute to the city’s icons and history.
The best way to experience the Fremont Street Experience is to just head down there and soak up the atmosphere. In addition to all the scheduled entertainments and sites to visit, street theatre (including performers dressed up as celebrities) and musical performances such as tribute bands characterise the area. After dark, dozens of street vendors join the surrounding casinos, shops and restaurants to give the place a lively, festival vibe.
For an illuminating view of local history, wander east to the Neon Museum, where a collection of the street’s vintage signs from casinos, hotels and loan businesses are on display.
The Freemont Street Experience is accessible by taxi, bus or the “trolley”—a bus that travels between the Strip and downtown. Free parking for up to five hours is available at the Freemont Experience Parking Plaza, at 4th Street and Carson.
